Press Releases

CA Controller Yee Appointed to Ceres Board

PR17:3
1/27/2017

Contact: TARYN KINNEY
(916) 324-2709

SACRAMENTO— State Controller Betty T. Yee today announced her appointment to the Ceres Board of Directors. Ceres is a non-profit organization working to mobilize many of the world’s largest investors and companies to take stronger action on climate change, water scarcity, and other global sustainability challenges. The board term is two years.

“Now more than ever, public and private sector leaders must work together and proactively drive solutions to address climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy,” said Controller Yee, the state’s chief fiscal officer. “I look forward to working with Ceres to advance sustainability leadership worldwide.”

Controller Yee has been actively engaged in climate change investment policy as a board member of CalPERS and CalSTRS, the nation’s two largest pension funds. Under Controller Yee’s leadership, last year both boards amended the board director attributes in their corporate governance policies to specifically include expertise and experience in climate change risk management strategies. She strongly supported CalPERS’ five-year global governance strategic plan, with an enhanced focus on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals along with their advocacy for uniform data and corporate reporting standards with regard to ESG considerations.

“We are thrilled and honored to welcome Controller Betty Yee to our Board of Directors. Controller Yee has been a leader on so many of the issues that Ceres’ investors and companies care deeply about—from her work on the environment and clean energy to her strong voice demanding diversity on corporate boards and disclosure on social and governance issues,” said Mindy Lubber, Ceres president. "As a clear policy voice in Sacramento, she will continue to stand up for the best policies around climate, water, and clean transportation.”

Ceres directs the Investor Network on Climate Risk, a group of 120 institutional investors managing about $15 trillion assets focused on the business risks and opportunities of climate change and water scarcity. Ceres also engages with 100-plus companies, many of them Fortune 500 businesses, committed to sustainable business practices and the urgency for strong climate and clean energy policies.

As the chief fiscal officer of California, Controller Yee is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state’s financial resources. The Controller also safeguards many types of property until claimed by the rightful owners, and has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. She is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation's two largest public pension funds. Elected in 2014, Controller Yee is the tenth woman elected to a statewide office in California’s history. Follow the Controller on Twitter at@CAControllerand on Facebook atCalifornia State Controller’s Office.